Perhaps one of Placentia's greatest advantages, one of its most promising sources of opportunity is its industrial area - Argentia.

For over 50 years, Argentia was the headquarters for the U.S. Armed Forces Northwest Atlantic Operations.

In 1941, the port became internationally recognized as the site of a meeting between Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt to discuss the Atlantic Charter. The Base went on to play pivotal roles in WWII and the Cold War. It closed in 1994.

The US Navy left behind a well-developed infrastructure and a well-trained workforce. Today, plans are underway to construct a hydrometallurgical facility in Argentia by Voisey's Bay Nickel Company.

Argentia offers an impressive catalogue of advantages. They include:

• a strategic location in the center of the world's shipping lanes
• extensive buildings and infrastructure
• a highly skilled workforce
• an excellent ice-free port with three wharf complexes
• well-developed land zoned for industrial use
• electrical capacity and more

The Voisey's Bay Hydromet Facility will bring unprecedented economic benefits to the Placentia area. In addition to the jobs generated by the Complex itself, there will also be a need for support services and opportunities for spin-off industries. They will join a growing list of businesses already established in the industrial area:

• Eimskip Newfoundland (container service)
• Marine Atlantic (ferry service)
• Argentia Freezers and Terminals (wharf handling and stevedoring)
• Pennecon Ltd. (cement importer)
• The Canadian Coast Guard
• The U.S. Navy Undersea Surveillance Facility
• Raven Wood Industries (cabinet fabrication)
• Fusion Services (poly pipe fabrication)
• Marex Inc. (consulting & contracting firm)
• Argentia Drycleaning and Laundry
• St. Lawrence Cement (cement silos)
• Stellar Woodworks (carpentry operation)

* - Photo Courtesy of Innovative Photography